Why do I need an S and what year

[Stephan Silverman]

I've looked at the numerous threads and I guess I am worried about the price of an engine and other major components if a used car fails. Anything special to look for in service records or visually to avoid major fatal costs after initial purchase?

[Topless]

Originally Posted by Stephan Silverman

I've looked at the numerous threads and I guess I am worried about the price of an engine and other major components if a used car fails. Anything special to look for in service records or visually to avoid major fatal costs after initial purchase?

Updated IMS bearing retrofit, and regular oil changes every 5k miles are a biggie. I tend to prefer 1 owner cars that were driven and serviced regularly rather than garage queens.

[Jake D]

I love my 00 S and have no problem being Porsche rich and cash poor. I love cars and decided I wanted to own something nice while being young so I pulled the trigger on one last year. Financially it wasnt the smartest thing to do but, I'm not worried about it.

[jcb986]

Look at it this way...if it looks like it's been coursed or hot dogged, walk away. Look for one with no more than 60K miles on it if it's your toy. A daily driver would have 20-30K on it with no mods. A one owner with a service history is a big positive but does not guarantee any future problems. I personally like the TIP which translate in less money being spent on clutch, RMS or IMS. TIP owners seem to have less expenses on their ownership over, say 5 years. Mine, pictured here in this email had 62k on it, one owner, absolutely well taken care of and the previous owner was a PCA member. I new I would spend a least $2K on it to do the things a 60K P-car needed and it has only cost me $1500 to take care of the maintenance with $800 being spent on new tires. Do not buy because it's cheap...to me that means this one is costing the owner a lot of money or a lot needs to be spent on it. Buyer beware, always.

[mikefocke]

Originally Posted by jcb986

Look at it this way...if it looks like it's been coursed or hot dogged, walk away. Look for one with no more than 60K miles on it if it's your toy. A daily driver would have 20-30K on it with no mods. A one owner with a service history is a big positive but does not guarantee any future problems. I personally like the TIP which translate in less money being spent on clutch, RMS or IMS. TIP owners seem to have less expenses on their ownership over, say 5 years. Mine, pictured here in this email had 62k on it, one owner, absolutely well taken care of and the previous owner was a PCA member. I new I would spend a least $2K on it to do the things a 60K P-car needed and it has only cost me $1500 to take care of the maintenance with $800 being spent on new tires. Do not buy because it's cheap...to me that means this one is costing the owner a lot of money or a lot needs to be spent on it. Buyer beware, always.

Isn't it odd that Jake says a TIP is both more likely to have an IMS problem and is more expensive to have an IMSR. (Yes, I own a TIP>)

[jcb986]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

Isn't it odd that Jake says a TIP is both more likely to have an IMS problem and is more expensive to have an IMSR. (Yes, I own a TIP>)

I would say at least 9 out of 10 IMS failures where with standards than autos on this forum......?????

[sd_boxster]

If I were buying now, I'd hit the Porsche dealerships to see the inventory of CPO Boxsters. I paid $25K for my '03 - with just 22K miles - in September of 08, and I suspect there are more deals today than a couple of years ago.

You'll pay more for CPO with a warranty than you would private-party. Mine cost about $3K more than a comparable private party car. Peace of mind for $1,500 a year... I was willing to pay it.

[ekam]

Over here, if you're caught speeding 50km/h (31mph) over the speed limit the police can tow your vehicle on the spot and suspend your license for 7 days.

Mind you also the 6 speed have weak second gear synchros. That's actually more likely to fail down the line than getting IMS failure.

http://www.986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20078

[Flavor 987S]

Originally Posted by Jake D

Financially it wasnt the smartest thing to do but, I'm not worried about it.

Let us know how this plays out for you in about another 20-30 years!

[SeaNile31]

I'm in the same position as you and I am shopping for Boxster #4. I can speak first hand of S envy when I bought my first one, a 99 base. Although I do not push the car to it's limits, I just like knowing I have the S version. I'm not terribly concerned with resale or 0-60 times but when I had the base I was always thinking of getting an S. Once I got my 01 S I never really thought about "upgrading." I really enjoyed the car, had zero issues and drove it as much as possible. Right now I am searching for the best bang for the buck and find myself looking at 986 cars. For me, I am looking 02-04. I Find the 04's too much $$ and only one year before the model change to 987. I like the 987's but can't justify the price difference between a 986 and 987 for how I am going to use the car. If I get a 986, 02/03 S and want to "upgrade" it will be next summer and the 987's will be a bit less money at that point. Sure I would love an 09 S but $46K doesn't work for me right now. I have a feeling an 02/03 S is where I will land. It'll be blk/blk or blk/tan and a 6sp manual. Options.....xenon, Bose and heated seats. Anything extra will be a bonus. I am hoping a 40K mile or less car can be had for $17000-18,500.

Good luck in the search.

John

[Jake D]

Originally Posted by Flavor 987S

Let us know how this plays out for you in about another 20-30 years!

**************** if I live that long spending 16gs on a Porsche will be the least of my worries. Everyone thinks because its a Porsche it means its super expensive..... especially girls. I find it best to just take them for rides and not to correct them or tell them how much I paid for it...

[impboy]

Since you won't be doing the regular maintenance yourself, you may want to look into Porsche clubs in your area to see if anyone would be willing to help you out. Oil changes, replacing brakes, and air filters are pretty easy on this car and not outrageous cost wise.

There's a whole tread that's given to engine failure but my '01 Box (not an S) hasn't seen one day in the mechanics shop since I've done all the regularly scheduled maintenance myself. I LOVE how reliable this car is and it's my daily driver.

Good luck in your search!

One more thing...
Now that the economy is in the pits, people are more willing to let go of their "toys/Boxsters" for much less than blue book. I'm sure good deals are out there to be had.

[Stephan Silverman]

After much study I just bought a 2002 Boxster S in Speed Yellow with manual transmission and 50K miles for $17,000.00. The was first checked out for me by a Porsche only mechanic. There aren't many options on this one but I don't care. Sorry no PSM but I'm a conservative driver anyway. Tires are new, top is fine, clutch is new, rear shaft seal has been fixed, etc. Pretty much not a scratch on the exterior. Seats are perfect.

Love the car. Really enjoying it.

Would like a stereo that has bluetooth and iphone /ipod connection.

Also would like to pull out the cd trays and put a cubby in there.

Any ideas?

[Gforrest2]

Originally Posted by Jake D

Financially it wasnt the smartest thing to do but, I'm not worried about it.

No worries here. What fun would life be if we only did what we were supposed to do? I applaud young Jake for pulling the trigger on a Porsche. I waited until I was 50 before I got mine. And it's 100% financed, along with my 100% financed Harley Softail and Kawasaki Ninja. Nope, not the smartest thing to do and perhaps a bit foolish, but I wasn't getting any younger.

Up here in Seattle, the season for these toys is over, but I get a big grin when I open the garage and say good night to them every night.


Oh, and back to the OP. Mine's an '03 base (got the '03 for the glass window) but I wish I would have got the S. If you're gonna have a sports car, it might as well perform like a sports car. JMHO

[jcb986]

I've been eye balling this Carrera 2008 S.....http://orlando.craigslist.org/ctd/2100411403.html